UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Upon graduating from Penn State in 2014, Taylor Gross has found her way back to the sport she loves.
Gross is currently the manager of program services for USA Hockey. She assists young players in becoming involved in the sport and creating more affordable options. Gross' department also works in club excellence and provides programs with the necessary resources they need to be successful.
Gross came to Penn State as a player in 2012 looking for a fresh start after beginning her career at the University of Connecticut. Throughout her career at Penn State, she served as a captain and was named the CHA Sportsmanship Award winner during her two seasons as a Nittany Lion. GoPSUsports.com had the chance to catch up with Gross recently and reflect on her time as a player in Happy Valley.
GoPSUsports.com: Why did you choose to continue your hockey career at Penn State University?
Taylor Gross: I originally played for the University of Connecticut but later I transferred to Penn State. I chose Penn State because I wanted to start a new program. I loved the outstanding reputation the university had in both athletics and academics. It was the perfect atmosphere for me to thrive in.
GoPSUsports.com: What is one of your most memorable moments from being on the Penn State's women's hockey team?
TG: My favorite memory as a player was when we won our first game as a Division I team against the University of Vermont.
GoPSUsports.com: Where has your life taken you since graduating from Penn State University?
TG: I graduated from Penn State University in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in biology. I then moved back to Denver and became a head coach for the Colorado Selects Girls Hockey Association. I went on to attend graduate school at Midland University to earn my master's of education degree. There I worked as the head coach for the women's hockey team. I am now currently working for USA Hockey as the manager of program services.
GoPSUsports.com: How did your Penn State hockey career shape you into the person you're today?
TG: As a student-athlete and a biology major I learned how to overcome adversity and become more efficient. Learning this at a young age helped me get to where I am in my career today.
GoPSUsports.com: Can you tell me about your leadership experiences as a captain?
TG: Looking back at my experience as a captain, there are some things that I would do differently. During my time as a captain, there were 17 freshmen and only three upperclassmen. It was definitely an interesting experience, but I was able to learn how to be a mentor.
GoPSUsports.com: What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
TG: My biggest accomplishment is working as the manager of program services for USA Hockey. I wanted to be involved in hockey but not necessarily from a coaching standpoint. I am personally in charge of the Try Hockey for Free program. This program provides young players with affordable options on how to get involved with the sport. My department also handles club excellence and provides resources on how to successfully run youth hockey programs.
GoPSUsports.com: Who at Penn State made the greatest impact on you as a player and in your personal life?
TG: My biology advisor Leana Topper made the greatest impact on my life. She attended my senior game and made posters to cheer me on. It was so cool to see the crossover from academics to athletics.
GoPSUsports.com: How have you stayed in contact with the program over the years?
TG: I continue to keep in contact with my teammates from when I was a player. Over the summer I attended the alumni Zoom call with (current head) coach (Jeff) Kampersal. The Zoom call attendees were a mixture of alumni between women who played in the varsity program as well as the club team. I think it is so important to recognize how all levels of playing make a difference. The club program set the foundation for the strong team we have now. It was interesting to hear the experiences of other players and see how much the program has grown.
GoPSUsports.com: Do you have any advice for the current Penn State women's hockey players?
TG: My advice for the current Penn State women's hockey players is to live in the moment because it goes by so fast. it is so important to find happiness in the little things!
